Pascack Press 11.30.20 by The Press Group Community Newspapers (New Jersey)

PANTRY POWER

Emerson • Hillsdale • Montvale • Park Ridge • River Vale • Township of Washington • Westwood • Woodcliff Lake VOLUME 24 ISSUE 37

PA S C AC K VA L L E Y ’ S BEST H O M E TO W N N E W S PA P E R

NOVEMBER 30, 2020

HILLSDALE

Holiday Shopping Guide

Helping Hand Turkey Drive 2020 delivers the goods

See page 19

PASCACK VALLEY

BALLOTS FLEW IN HISTORIC TURNOUT

Biden-Harris take lionʼs share of record vote BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

A record-breaking total of 503,114 registered Bergen County voters cast votes in the Nov. 3 Presidential election, including 285,967 votes for Democratic Presidentelect Joseph R. Biden, and 204,417 for incumbent Republican President Donald J. Trump. The countyʼs Board of Elections certified the election results Nov. 20, posting the Final Election Summary on its website. Most

See VOTE on page 394

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RESIDENTS, BUSINESSES, AND ORGANIZATIONS turned out in force for a mission that serves families in need throughout the Pascack Valley. “It restores my faith in humanity,” said coordinator Mark Loblanco. BY JOHN SNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

Helping Hand Food Pantry Turkey Drive 2020 took in a flock of approximately 400 donated frozen turkeys and an unprecendented haul of side dishes and

other food donations. The event, at Hillsdale United Methodist Church, which hosts the pantry as a mission, kept volunteers of all ages busy on Nov. 21; d o n o r s showed up

Nov. 22 as well to add to the largesse. Coordinator Mark Loblanco told Pascack Press at the event the turkeys would be given out for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

“During this uncertain time, [the drive] renews my faith in humanity. It was overwhelming to see multiple turkeys, bags of food, gift cards and donations being dropped dropped off. It was

Photo courtesy Zoltán Horváth/Hillsdale Happenings

Continued on page 26

TO THE RESCUE

B ck in time...

Aid is pouring in for three Emerson families who lost everything in a predawn house fire last week. Fortunately, nobody was injured. SEE PAGE 3

Remembering with great affection Hillsdale’s Valley Fair department store, which operated in the 1960s and ‘70s. Kristin Beuscher has the story.

PHOTO COURTESY WESTWOOD FIRE DEPARTMENT

SEE PAGE 4

NOVEMBER 30, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

PASCACK PRESS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Support our Westwood businesses

To the editor: MANY OF US have been impacted by the pandemic. While a vaccine is on the way, it may

take months before it reaches all of us. Those months matter. What can happen during the upcoming months can adversely affect many in our community. Restrictions are tightening up, cases are going up, and members of our community are suffering. This pandemic is reaching into multiple facets of our community, but here I would like to focus on our businesses. The holiday season is an important time of year for all businesses, but this year, more than ever, our Westwood businesses need your support. Restaurants, retail stores, and service businesses have been negatively affected by the restrictions placed in response to the pandemic. Westwood businesses have supported our community for many years, sponsoring sports teams, donating goods and services to fundraisers, participating in events like Home for the Holidays, and much more. Now itʼs time for

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our community to give back. While the increased outdoor seating helped the restaurants get through the summer and fall, as we move to winter it will be harder for them to maintain that business. State codes in regards to tents and heaters make it challenging to keep outdoor dining viable. Limited indoor capacity does not allow for enough customers for restaurant owners to make ends meet. This is where you can help. Order takeout when you cannot dine out. Many restaurants have family-style menus to choose from, and several offer your favorite mixed drinks to go. Gift cards to restaurants make great gifts for friends, family, co-workers, teachers, and secret Santas. Before you click to buy, support Westwood retail stores. With the variety of stores in Westwood you can shop for everyone on your list. For those who are not comfortable going inside a store, most stores are offering curbside pickup, and some are offering free delivery in Westwood and surrounding towns. If you cannot find what you are looking for, ask the store

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owner if they can get it for you. Your dollar will be more meaningful to a small business owner than a large internet sales business. If you need a gift shipped, asked the store owner if that is a service they provide. Many businesses in Westwood have websites and will ship all over the country. Service businesses need your support too. Some have very limited capacity due to imposed restrictions, but there are still ways to show your support. Gift cards once again make a great present. If you are concerned about expiration dates, speak with the business owner. Many service businesses have goods for sale. The next few months are crucial for our business owners. With your support they can survive. Letʼs give them that holiday boost they are relying on. For a listing of Westwood businesses visit celebratewestwood.org. Jodi Murphy Westwood Councilmember

Mayor: Plan could hurt Hillsdale

To the editor: ON NOV. 23, the Hillsdale Council introduced a redevelopment plan ordinance that, if approved, will significantly change the small-town character of our community. This ordinance would allow high density development in the Patterson Street area, rejecting the Planning Boardʼs recommendations for

NOTE: Letter submission deadline is 11 a.m. Wednesday for the following Monday’s paper. Publication not guaranteed. Subject to editing. Email to pascackpress@thepressgroup.net.

lower height and density. It would permit a density up to 28 units/acre and a building height of 40 feet/3 stories, but then allow the council to grant special density bonuses to developers for buildings of up to 64 feet/5 stories in height, and a density of 60 units/acre. These allowances would be granted in exchange for certain “community benefits,” particularly a community center in that area. But these allowances are well in excess of what our 2017 Fair Share Housing Agreement anticipated. The density without special bonuses contained in the plan would permit approximately 298 units. The density bonuses would expand that up to a total of approximately 561 units. This translates into approximately 1,100 to 1,700 new residents, or about a 10% to 16% increase in town population. It is worth noting that a community center can be built and financed independently from any redevelopment plan, if the council so desires, without having to agree to over-development. Another troubling aspect is that the plan lacks any preliminary financial impact analysis, or a traffic analysis, or an analysis of what potential developer PILOT payments (payments in lieu of taxes) would mean for our schools. There is no estimate of how the development plan might affect the need for additional police, ambulance, fire equipment, or public works services. This ordinance was introduced without giving the residents visual or numerical comparisons to what other towns in the CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

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Mayor Danielle DiPaola expressed her pride in how “the family town” came together to help three families left homeless in the wake of a three-alarm fire last Monday. No injuries were reported in the blaze, which destroyed the three-family house at 66 Clinton St. in the pre-dawn hours of Nov. 23. Fire officials said the fire started in a vehicle parked in the driveway and quickly spread to the house. When the Emerson Fire Department arrived on scene they saw flames licking out from the roof. The call came in just before 4 a.m. There were approximately 13 people in the house, including eight children, said Fire Marshal Rich Silvia. Joining the fight were fire departments from Hillsdale, Oradell, Westwood, and Paramus. DiPaola wrote on the boroughʼs Facebook page in the aftermath, “I am so proud of this town and how everybody pulled together to help these three families. Thousands of dollars of gift cards were collected today and will be distributed to the families. Hundreds of articles of clothing, shoes, coats, games, toys, food and other items were collected. All families are safe for the evening and tomorrow we will send out a message as to the times the gift cards can be dropped off again.” She said, “I donʼt believe

any further clothing is needed so please hang on to your bags of clothing and items that you wish to donate until we get through the mounds of donations that we have so far.” DiPaola wrote, “God bless every single one of you that I saw today down at the senior center and everybody who texted, phoned, or emailed to lend their help and support.” She also lauded the volunteer fire department, the police department, the DPW, and borough staff. Maria Pinguil is running a GoFundMe, “Emerson NJ Devastating House Fire,” to help the families. And gift cards can be dropped off at Borough Hall, 146 Linwood Ave., in an envelope

marked “Clinton Street Family Assistance.” Residents posted messages of love and encouragement. Angela Squillante wrote, “So amazing! Thank God they are safe. We all love these families beyond words.” Maggie Chicoine praised DiPaola, saying, “Your quick response to this terrible situation is definitely helping to ease the burden.” She added, “Iʼm a close new neighbor and co-worker to two of the family members. This particular family that Iʼm close with is very special. The parents are extremely hard working and the kids are super respectful. They definitely have done a great job with their family. A true example

of what an Emerson family should be like.” Chicoine said, “Although many hearts are broken I have all of the confidence that they will come out of this sad ordeal stronger. I just hope now we can

all pull together and help them find a permanent home in Emerson. They have three little kids in the Emerson school district and it would be devastating to see them have to relocate.” — John Snyder

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Aid pours in for three families displaced by fire

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NOVEMBER 30, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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Due to the governorʼs latest executive order limiting indoor gatherings to 10 people or fewer, the Pascack Historical Society has had to change course for its Holiday Boutique and Curio Sale that was set for the weekend of Dec. 5–6. For now, the sale is being postponed until the spring. However, because so many donations have come in, the museum is opening up the sale exclusively to its members by appointment in the coming weeks. If you are a Pascack Historical Society member, email info@pascackhistoricalsociety.org to arrange a time to shop (feel free to bring your immediate family, or a friend). The thousands of sale items include antiques, collectibles, holiday decor, artwork, books, vintage jewelry, handbags, china, and so much more. For those who arenʼt members, annual dues start at $30. If you sign up now, your dues will cover the 2021 year. Membership also entitles you to receive the Societyʼs quarterly newsletter, “RELICS,” which is full of local history features. The Pascack Historical Society is at 19 Ridge Ave., Park Ridge. For information, visit pascackhistoricalsociety.org, call (201) 5730307, and follow the museum on Facebook.

PASCACK VALLEY

SHOPPING DEALS AT HILLSDALE’S VALLEY FAIR

AS THIS NEWSPAPER is delivered we will have just come off of Black Friday, and people will be clamoring for Cyber Monday steals. But if prices were like the ones shown in this advertisement from 50 years ago, who would need special deals? You could buy anything from a barbecue grill to a goldfish at Valley Fair, which operated on Broadway in Hillsdale throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Under ownership of the Ganguzza family, this was the first shopping center in town. The photo above shows the store as it looked from the hill on St. Nicholas Avenue. The advertisement at left, which lists groovy clothing deals of the day, dates to 1970.

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At 60,000 square feet, Valley Fair was a discount department store that sold virtually everything under the sun. If you were a kid in the ʼ60s or ʼ70s you might remember heading to the toy department, or maybe to the pet shop, while mom was perusing the clothing, shoes or housewares. Teens could pick up the latest record. Valley Fair was also a stop for pharmacy needs, garden supplies, sports equipment, hardware, automotive supplies, and more. Valley Fair closed in the late 1970s and reopened as ShopRite supermarket in 1979. ShopRite continues to do business there nearly 40 years later. The location as it looks today, photographed at the same angle from St. Nicholas Avenue, is shown below.

2 13

LIBRARY CALENDAR 16 HEALTH & WELLNESS 23 HOME IMPROVEMENT 27 REAL ESTATE

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EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING Serving Emerson, Hillsdale, Montvale, Park Ridge, River Vale, Township of Washington, Westwood 201.664.2105 and Woodcliff Lake FAX 201.664.2109 MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 335 E-MAIL US AT Westwood, N.J. 07675 pascackpress@thepressgroup.net

PASCACK VALLEY’S HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER

Publisher Editor Assistant Editor Art Director Director of Advertising

John J. DeFina John Snyder Kristin Beuscher Keith J. Harcher George F. Harcher

The articles and opinions printed in Pascack Press are not necessarily those of the publisher. Pascack Press is neither liable nor responsible for typographical errors. This publication contains material developed independently by Pascack Press. It may not be reproduced, in whole or in part. Pascack Press is published in Westwood and is distributed to every household in our circulation area.

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HABITAT SEEKS VETERAN FAMILY FOR AFFORDABLE HOME ON SAND ROAD BY JOHN SNYDER OF PASCACK PRESS

WESTWOOD

Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County is building a threebedroom, handicap adaptable home for a veteran family at 95 Sand Road, and is seeking applicatins for occupancy. This affordable home is available to household sizes of three to

six earning certain maximum annual incomes. For a family of three: $69,085; for a family of four: $76,761; for a family of five: $82,902; and for a family of six: $89,043. To become a partner family with Habitat Bergen and perhaps ultimately purchase this home, applicants must attend a virtual open house Dec. 7 or 9 at 7 p.m. See habitatbergen.org for details. Habitat for Humanity of Ber-

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY of Bergen County breaks ground Nov. 18, 2019 at 95 Sand Road, site of a future single-family veteran home. From left to right are Habitat Bergen Board Vice President Doreen Winn, President Sonja Clark, founding president Margaret Cook-Levy, and Executive Director Maureen Cameron, and then-mayor John Birkner Jr.

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HABITAT VOLUNTEERS were laying the groundwork for a single-family home at 95 Sand Road in 2020. A virtual open house is set for Dec. 7 and 9. gen County Executive Director home for a veteran and his or her to provide for affordable housing Maureen Cameron told Pascack family on Sand Road, which he pursuant to the Fair Housing Act. Weilding shovels at a Press on Nov. 24 that her organi- noted has easy access to Hegeman groundbreaking ceremony at the zation has built or rehabilitated 28 Park. “As we all know, living in site on Nov. 18, 2019 were homes, and completed more than 100 home repairs, throughout Ber- Bergen County can be cost-pro- Cameron, Habitat Bergen Board hibitive for many, including veter- Vice President Doreen Winn, gen County. “Through fundraising efforts ans of our armed services. We are President Sonja Clark, founding and volunteer labor, we build or proud to help a veteran family president Margaret Cook-Levy, rehabilitate homes and sell them at achieve the dream of home owner- and then-mayor John Birkner Jr. Also there: Lee Tremble of an affordable price to partner fam- ship right here in Westwood,” The Iron Horse restaurant, and ilies through a zero interest, 30 Arroyo said. Westwood cleaned up and members of the Borough Counyear mortgage. Habitat is a hand conveyed the leafy property, adja- cil. (For more, see “Bergen Habiup, not a hand up,” she said. Mayor Ray Arroyo supports cent to Hegeman and Westvale tat Building a Home on Sand the work of Habitat for Humanity parks, by resolution Dec. 18, 2018 CONTINUED ON PAGE 12 of Bergen County in building a in part to help satisfy its obligation

PASCACK LACROSSE Open to residents of Hillsdale, Montvale, River Vale, Woodcliff Lake

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PARK RIDGE

Faced with the prospect of builderʼs lawsuits that could add hundreds more market-rate and affordable units in the borough— on the former Sony property and elsewhere—the Borough Council has approved a settlement agreement that permits 448 housing units, including 68 affordable units, on the 30-acre former Sony campus. At the Nov. 23 council meeting, the vote was 4–2. Counilwoman Kelly Epstein and Councilman Matt Capilli voted against the settlement. Councilmen Robert Metzdorf, Tom Farinaro, Michael Mintz, and John Ferguson voted in favor. Epstein said she objected to alleged “arm twisting” by Fair Share Housing Center and the court and she charged there had been “unlawful and unprofessional behavior” by the courts and judge. “Things that are broken need to be fixed and not ignored,” she said. Capilli said he objected to paying Fair Shareʼs attorney fees and the impacts that the new development would have on local schools. The councilmen voting in favor cited the settlement as a

Bocchi said that several factors undercut the boroughʼs case, including special master Frank Bansichʼs recommendation of 35 dwelling units per acre at Sony, which Judge Padovano accepted despite the boroughʼs efforts to disqualify him. Also, the barring of the boroughʼs expert witness from testifying, which Reynolds could not explain, and the imminent threat of losing its immunity to builderʼs remedy lawsuits, which could add hundreds more housing units throughout town, and thousands more in legal fees and possible court-imposed costs, made the risk of trial a losing proposition, both attorneys said. Mayor Keith Misciagna said the borough had spent nearly $700,000 over each of the last several years fighting against its intervenors, mostly Hornrock Properties LLC, which recently transferred the Sony property to Landmark AR Park Ridge LLC, another development company. He said the drain on local finances could not continue and there appeared to be little chance of ultimate victory in the courts according to its attorneys. “We were able to obtain favorable settlement terms on behalf of the borough,” said Bocchi. He said Landmark AR Park Ridge wanted no setbacks and at least 60 feet building heights,

good deal that avoids a worse situation with high density development should the borough lose its case later in court. Attorneys stressed over and over again that the brough got the best possible deal it could, and was able to wrest concessions from both the developer, Landmark AR Park Ridge LLC, and Fair Share Housing Center. Both attorneys noted that housing units required in town could double, or more, if the borough loses at trial, and both said that was more than likely to occur given recent court rulings against the borough. Special counsel Scott Reynolds said that Superior Court Judge Gregg Padovanoʼs court order to bar its expert witness, Robert Powell, as well as not allow its prior agreement with Bearʼs Nest LLC for 50 affordable units as evidence in its trial, were major blows to their case. Both Park Ridge attorneys involved in the five-year-plus negotiations advised council members to approve the settlement or anticipate a worse outcome should they vote to go to trial. They said Fair Share Housing Center wanted between 823 and possibly over 1,000 housing units at the Sony site. “Itʼs too much to risk,” said Bocchi. Borough Attorney Anthony

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which the borough refused to agree to, and that those would be subject to further negotiation. In addition, Bocchi said the wood-frame construction agreed to “should result in certain height restrictions” and that the developer also agreed to upgrade utilities and make connections to public utilities at their expense, which they initially opposed. Moreover, Bocchi said, Landmark had “demanded” a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreement and that the developer “capitulated on that position.” A PILOT agreement generally offers a developer a reduced tax assessment over a 20- or 30-year

period. Bocchi also said the borough will not agree to any future PILOT agreement. Bocchi said Fair Share Housing Center also “capitulated” on demands for much-higher density in affordable housing zones and downtown zoning density. He called it “the best possible agreement” for the borough given the negative alternatives possible by continuing towards a court trial. He said the settlement protects the borough by limiting development on the Sony site to 50% of what Fair Share was CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

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‘BEST WE COULD DO’: COUNCIL TAKES DEAL FOR 448 UNITS AT FORMER SONY SITE

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A Pascack Press survey of newly elected or re-elected local officials found most unwilling to go on record about legalization of recreational marijuana, local impacts, and whether the officials would consider hosting a cannabis enterprise in the future. Less than one-third responded to our survey on New Jerseyʼs recent lopsided vote to legalize marijuana and assess possible local impacts. We reached out to 16 newly elected or reelected council members for their reactions. Five officials responded to a survey on legalized marijuanaʼs impacts, pros and cons, local taxes, and whether they might consider a future local retail outlet. Only Woodcliff Lake Democra-

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tic councilman Richard Schnoll appeared most willing to entertain a possible local dispensary, although he and other respondents said they would prefer a higher local tax rate on cannabis sales. Currently, a 7% statewide tax was recommended, while an up to 2% local excise tax was proposed. Since the legalization referendumʼs passage by an almost 2 to 1 margin Nov. 3, legislative leaders in the state Senate and Assembly have worked to pass legislation that sets rules and regulations for New Jerseyʼs cannabis industry. State legislative leaders were hoping to present a reconciled bill setting cannabis regulations, rules on licensing cannabis enterprises, and taxing to Gov. Murphy in December. Arguments over allocation of tax revenues to social justice efforts, provisions to allow home growers, funds for police cannabis detection training, and expungement fees to clear records of previous marijuana violations were being debated. In Most Pascack Valley towns, the legalization question was approved by two-thirds or more of the electorate. And all three public questions, including one on a veteransʼ property tax break and one on a delay in census redistricting that occurs every decade, were also approved. As of Jan. 1, 2021, adults 21 and over will be able to legally con-

sume recreational marijuana. The Legislature, as well as a governorappointed Cannabis Regulatory Commission, will be in charge of setting policies and rules for the newly legalized drug. Medical marijuana was legalized in New Jersey about a decade ago and now 80,000 people are prescribed different strains of cannabis for 17 conditions that include anxiety, pain, nausea, and cancer. Officials have said that most of New Jerseyʼs 12 current medical cannabis dispensaries are likely to be licensed to sell recreational cannabis by next spring or early summer. Most Pascack Valley officials —including mayors and police chiefs—had previously opposed marijuana legalization, citing negative impacts from impaired drivers and driving, local retail shops' impact on neighborhoods, increased driving-while-impaired enforcement costs, and difficulties detecting cannabis impairment. All Pascack towns voted overwhelmingly against approving legal weed.However, many towns passed ordinances or resolutions in 2019 prohibiting local marijuana retail shops, also called dispensaries. Those measures will likely need to be redone in 2021 as towns are offered a specific period to opt out of hosting any local cannabis enterprises. CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

NOVEMBER 30, 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

NOVEMBER 30, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Masons donate Habitat: Home for vet family Road Site,” Nov. 19, 2019.) Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County hosted Homes for Hounds on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020 at the Habitat ReStore in Westwood in a fundraiser for the project. The mission of Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County is to

FROM PAGE 6

provide decent, affordable homes for hardworking Bergen County families. It joins in a common goal with other affiliates of this international organization to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness by working in partnership with people in need. Using volunteer labor and donated funds and materials, Habitat builds or rehabilitates

simple, decent, homes and sells them to low income families through a zero-interest mortgage. Habitat is a people-to-people partnership that joins together all people, regardless of race, nationality, religion or socioeconomic status. For more information visit habitatbergen.org.

MONTVALE

Miano Family Chiropractic: Toys for Tots

Miano Family Chiropractic Center LLC of Montvale is a drop-off site for Toys for Tots. Donations of new, unwrapped toys are accepted at 70-J Chestnut Ridge Road on Mondays and Wednesdays, through Wednesday, Dec. 9, from 3 to 6 p.m. To arrange another time to drop off, call (201) 746-0640.

PASCACK VALLEY

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HEALTHY GIVING! Chris Kaufmann, Worshipful Master of Temple Masonic Lodge #173, presents a check to Dr. Andrew Kuo, chairman of Shriners Hospitals for Children (wearing mask). An additional lodge donation was given to St Jude Children's Research Hospital. These two donations were generated by the success of Temple Lodge's recent Golf Outing. For more information on Temple Lodge events, call (201) 664-5641.

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Due to Covid 19, Happy Piano has not been able to offer piano for preschoolers in Westwood Community Center. For parents who want their child to continue piano or to begin piano lessons, Happy Piano is now offering online classes.

Online class size is limited to between four and six children, so register early to ensure a spot. The first session will begin in a few weeks. For additional information, visit happypianoonline.com.

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The GFWC Paskack Junior Womenʼs Club invites residents from the Pascack Valley Area to participate in its Holiday Lights Contest to benefit local charities. The purpose of the contest is to encourage a sense of community and holiday spirit by rewarding Pascack Valley residents who go above and beyond in decorating their home for the winter holiday season. Contestants must register online and pay the contest entrance fee by Dec. 5. To register visit paskackjuniors.org

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“Iʼve worked with people like Matthew Morone, Tracy Recine, and Diana Mckenna, and all these people who are just great teachers,” Rawson said. “It feels strange to me that I would be honored this way and not all the other people that I work with, so itʼs a little surreal for sure.” Mattesich said the teacher who receives the Teacher of the Year award is determined by a committee of members of the PV community. The committee reviews all the teachers who were nominated with a rubric that lists criteria that each nominee should possess. While the nominations are anonymous, colleagues, parents, and students are permitted to nominate a teacher for the award. “I know the key factor is usually: How does this person contribute to the school community as a whole?” Mattessich said. “So not just being great in the classroom, but really theyʼre really looking at all these different types of [factors] to nominate the teacher.” Mattessich said she was nervous to present Rawson with the award because she and the administration were trying to keep it a surprise until they could announce it to him in front of his journalism class. “Iʼm super happy for him to have the recognition that he deserves because the publication and the program for journalism gets a lot of awards, and the student journalists get a lot of awards because heʼs wonderful, and thatʼs what he wants,” Mattessich said. She added, “He deserves for the public to know how much he

ILMIE XHAFERI AND SARAH BUTTIKOFER PVHS STUDENT JOURNALISTS

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When Pascack Valley English and journalism teacher Bill Rawson first started working for the district during the 2008–09 school year he didnʼt think his position would last long. Thirteen years later, Rawson has been named the 2020–2021 PV Teacher of the Year. “I didnʼt necessarily [take] the same path to where I am right now as a lot of other teachers,” Rawson said. “So thatʼs what makes this [winning this award] maybe a little more unusual: it catches me off guard a little bit more.” Rawson was first hired at Pascack Hills to fill in for English teacher Heather Lutz, who was on maternity leave at the time. When Lutz returned in February, Rawson thought his time with the district was over—at least until he was offered a job at PV. “Right as I was literally getting ready to be out of a job, an English teacher at PV very unexpectedly had to leave,” Rawson said. “The timing wound up being really weird, but it ended up obviously working out for me.” Teacher of the Year was announced to him by district Superintendent P. Erik Gundersen, PV Principal Glenn deMarrais, PV Assistant Principals John Puccio and Christine Pollinger, and district Supervisor of English, Art, and Media Centers Valerie Mattessich.

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PVHS ENGLISH TEACHER and journalism advisor Bill Rawson—just Rawson to his students—wins 2020–2021 PV Teacher of the Year. He has been advising the award-winning news outlet, until recently called The Smoke Signal, for seven years.

puts into the school and everything else.” Rawson teaches three English classes this year. PV Class of 2020 alumni and former PV Student Publication editors in chief Rachel Cohen and Katie Mullaney both said that they are glad that Rawson won the award because heʼs passionate about journalism and being a teacher. “Iʼm glad that [the district] finally gave him the recognition that he deserves especially because of all heʼs done for us,” Mullaney said. “He helped shape me as not

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nominee teaches has no influence over who wins Teacher of the Year, Mattessich said itʼs “cool” that an English teacher won the award, and that the English department was excited to learn that he won the award. “Teaching is what I always wanted to do,” Rawson said. “Life yanks you in different directions sometimes, and sometimes you get a little lost on the way. To say Iʼm flattered, to say Iʼm honored or humbled—to say Iʼm any of these things—is an understatement.”

Editorʼs note: This piece first ran Nov. 19 on the student news site of Pascack Valley High School and is reprinted here with permission. Youʼll find the original article, and much more, at https://pvsmokesignal.com. The school also announced that PVHS Educational Support Professional of the Year is school counselor Mary Jo Callanan, whom weʼll feature in an upcoming issue. We look forward to amplifying student voices from our towns in every issue of Pascack Press.

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only a writer but also as a person, so Iʼm grateful for how much effort he puts into everything that he teaches us.” Cohen said that sheʼs grateful to have had Rawson—who also is president of the Garden State Scholastic Press Association—as a teacher and advisor because he “showed her what it is to write an article and all the little details that go into it.” “Iʼve never seen anyone work as hard as him, especially with teaching and then balancing being the advisor, and he clearly cares about his students, and he wants everyone to succeed and nothing else,” Cohen said. Rawsonʼs GSSPA bio says in part that he was a sports writer and editor for the New Jersey Herald, the daily newspaper in Sussex County, before he embarked on his career in education. It adds, “In his free time he enjoys dodging rattlesnakes while hiking, listening to weird rock music (King Crimson, anyone?), and pulling his hair out over the New York Mets.” Although the subject that each

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HOLIDAY DINING Bill Rawson is PVHS Teacher of the Year

NOVEMBER 30, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

HOLIDAY DINING Borough to honor its vets with banner displays BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

EMERSON

They served their country with honor. Now their hometown will honor them. Over the years, nearly 800 borough residents have served in the U.S. military, said American Legion Post 269 Commander John Hogan. He said only 17 veterans are members of the Legion post but that many veterans live in the area. “Itʼs a wonderful idea to honor the veterans in this way,” said Hogan of Emersonʼs plan to recognize the contributions of veterans by posting military tribute banners—in red, white, and blue, with the veteranʼs service photo front and center—on hundreds of light poles borough-wide. Hogan, a longtime resident, is a Korean War veteran. On Nov. 10, the day before Veterans Day, public works employees fastened the first proto-

type banner—honoring the late World War II veteran Joseph A. Solimando—to a light pole near Veterans Park. Historically, the borough has not held Veterans Day ceremonies but rather honors veterans on Memorial Day in May. Solimandoʼs son, Perry, who helms the public works department, and his brother, were moved by the tribute to their father. That banner flies across the street from the home that Solimando lived in for many years while raising his family. Initiated by Mayor Danielle DiPaola and Borough Administrator Robert Hermansen, with assistance from a mayor-appointed ad hoc committee, the recently initiated effort to install military tribute banners on local light poles will offer veteransʼ families and local businesses a chance to honor veterans past and present. “I give the mayor a tremendous amount of credit for this. This would not have been done without

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her,” Hermansen said. Hermansen said he and DiPaola had seen banners honoring veterans in another town, and that she told him to look into doing something similar in Emerson. “This will be a beautiful addition to Emerson,” DiPaola said at the Nov. 10 council meeting. Hermansen told Pascack Press that DiPaola was “looking to do something to beautify the borough” and she pushed to begin the program to honor veterans. Hermansen said current plans for the veteransʼ recognition effort in 2021 call for banners to be installed right around Memorial Day in May and remain up through after Veterans Day in November. Then, he said, holiday decorations would be placed on the light poles throughout town. Initially, Hermansen said the recognition banners would go on major streets, including Old Hook

WESTWOOD

Road, Kinderkamack, Linwood and Main avenues, and then expand to others including Solder Hill Road, Palisades and Ackerman. Banners can be ordered for any U.S. veteran who served and lived at any point in Emerson, he said. He said the committee would also look into fundraising options and possible business sponsorships for the veteransʼ honor program. “I think when this gets done, itʼs going to look really, really wonderful in the borough,” Hermansen said. Hermansen said if borough fundraising efforts are successful, the hope was to purchase banners for individuals who could not afford the cost, and banners to recognize local veterans who had not yet received recognition. Besides public works employeesʼ time to mount the banners, and staff time to manage the program,

Buy Your Westwood Local Gift Card Today!

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card link at www.celebratewestwood.org. The card is designed to be used at any participating store, service provider, or restaurant in Westwood. Recipients can choose to spend it at one of the growing number of participating merchants in Westwood—or mix it up and spend flexibly at multiple locations. All-digital and always available on a smartphone, the Westwood Spend Local GIft Card makes the perfect gift for teachers, employees and office mates, or stocking stuffers for those hard to buy for people on holiday gift

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no direct borough costs are involved. Hermansen said more than 200 light poles are on the four major roads that the effort hopes to first beautify with recognition banners. As more banners are made and veterans honored, the tributes will expand to other roads where hundreds of poles wait to be graced with placards honoring local veterans. Hermansen said families interested in honoring a veteran on a banner next year should contact him and provide a picture of the veteran no later than March 1, 2021. This will allow them time to contact the banner printing company and order all banners in time for Memorial Day, he said. Tribute banners cost approximately $150 each. For more information or to order a banner, contact Hermansen at (201) 262-5077 or administrator@emersonnj.org

lists. To facilitate the Westwood Spend Local Gift Card, Celebrate Westwood and the Chamber are working with eGift Card organizer Yiftee (Yiftee.com). Yiftee, an award-winning, no-hassle eGift card and promotions solution for local businesses and communities is working with more than 100 cities and towns across the United States to offer shop local, shop small initiatives. With no special technology or point of sale integration it's easy for merchants and communities to offer eGift Cards, boosting local business awareness and sales. “Participating in this program means supporting the heart of what makes the Westwood community unique,” organizers said in a press release. “By supporting local businesses, we are showing them that not only do we love their personalized shopping and delicious dining experiences, but that we also want them to continue to be flourishing members of the Westwood community.” Studies have shown that local independent retailers recirculate 47% of their revenue back into the community, while only 14% of national chainsʼ revenue stays in the community. More dramatically, restaurants recirculate 73% of their revenue back into the community, versus only 30% for national chains. Merchants interesting in joining the Westwood Spend Local gift card program should email celebratewestwood@gmail.com for more information.

DINING

PASCACK VALLEY

K of C Food Drive Saturday, Dec. 5

Knights of Columbus Mother Seton Council #5427 of Washington Township is conducting its annual Winter Food Drive to collect non-perishable food goods to help the needy through local food pantries. Personal hygiene items also are welcome. The drive runs Saturday, Dec. 5. The Knights ask all residents to place bagged donations outside their front door before 10 a.m. on that Saturday. Volunteers from the K of C will pick up the parcels as they cover every residence in the Township. As a reminder, a Food Drive Notice will be mailed to township households before the drive. Cosponsor Pascack Press will run a large advance notice on the event. Non-perishable food items

needed are powdered milk, hot and cold cereals, canned fruits, vegetables, stew, fish, meats, soups, onecan meals, peanut butter, pudding, Jell-O, jelly, pasta products, rice, baby food, sugar, flour, coffee, tea, pancake mix, etc. Personal hygiene items are especially appreciated as they cannot be obtained with food stamps. In lieu of these items, monetary donations may be sent to K of C Food Drive, 79 Pascack Road, Township of Washington, NJ 07676. Parcels of food and other items may be left there as well. For more information, call cochairman Chuck Merlo at (201) 661-0191 or the K of C at (201) 664-0422. The Knights of Columbus was founded in 1882 at St. Maryʼs Church in New Haven, Connecticut,

WWRSD

Project Graduation clothing drive Dec. 6

The Westwood Regional Jr./Sr. High School Class of 2021 is hosting a clothing drive to raise money for Project Graduation. Covid-19 has significantly limited the options the students have to raise money for their class, so this one really counts. The drive runs Dec. 6 from 8 a.m. to noon at the high schoolʼs front parking lot, 701 Ridgewood Road. Accepted: clothing, boots, and shoes of all sizes, and bedding and stuffed animals, all clean and in bags.

by Fr. Michael J. McGivney. The worldʼs largest Catholic fraternal organization with nearly 1.9 million members worldwide, it is also one of the most active charitable organizations in the United States. In the past year, the organization has raised more than $4.4 million for Christian and other religious

minority refugees in the Middle East. The Knights also set new records in fiscal year 2019 for charitable giving with donations of $185.7 million and 76.7 million hours of hands-on service to charitable causes. In 2019, Mother Seton Council

contributed $68,785 to charities and awarded $4,000 in scholarships. Applications for membership in the Knights of Columbus are welcome from qualified individuals. For more information call (201) 664-0422 or visit www.kofc5427.com.

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NOVEMBER 30, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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HOLIDAY

EMERSON 20 Palisade Ave. (201) 261-5604 emersonlibrary.org • Magical Melodies meets Monday, Nov. 30 from 10:30–11:15 a.m. on Facebook Live. Features high-energy songs, dance, and instruments, followed by a trombone parade with Mr. Chris. For children 2–4. • Baby & Me is on Facebook Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 11:30 a.m. An introduction to songs, dance and finger plays with stuffed animals and rhymes. Newborn to 2.

• Facilitator Avi Feld describes Cooking for Happiness as a program for people who want easy homemade or semihomemade comfort foods that can be prepared and put on the table quickly. The session on Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 10 a.m. teaches you to make spinach potato latkes. Class is held via Zoom; register and find ingredients/recipe on the libraryʼs website. Brought to you by The Jewish Home Family. • Boxing for Fitness & Fun, a program for adults, is on Friday

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mornings through December. Presented by the Jewish Home Family, these virtual classes are free and held through Zoom. Certified Rock Steady boxing coach Tom Elliott leads. Find link to register on the libraryʼs website.

HILLSDALE 509 Hillsdale Ave. (201) 358-5072 hfpl.org • Maria Elena BaezDominguez leads Virtual Chair Yoga on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. via Zoom. Register on the

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libraryʼs website. Registered yoga teacher Maria shares strategies to help you relax, avoid burnout, and nourish body and mind. • Zumba via Zoom is every Thursday at 4:30 p.m. Join Janet Weller, certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, as she leads a dance-based workout. Register online for Zoom link.

MONTVALE 12 Mercedes Drive, Suite 100 (201) 391-5090 montvalelibrarynj.org • Donʼt get ripped off! Protecting Yourself in the Retail World, presented by the Bergen & Passaic County Division of Consumer Affairs, will teach you how to protect yourself from scams and unfair business practices. Topics include: Lemon Laws, hiring a home improvement contractor, gym memberships, price gouging

and car repairs. Zoom lecture is Thursday, Dec. 3 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Register on the libraryʼs website. • The Monday Morning Book Group will discuss “The Fountains of Silence” by Ruta Sepetys when it meets Monday, Dec. 7 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. If interested in joining, email Lorissa.Lightman@montvale.bc cls.org. • At Tai Chi for Beginners, learn about this martial art known for its many physical and mental benefits. Virtual presentation by instructor Jody Rubel is Tuesday, Dec. 8 from 7 to 8 p.m. Register online; Zoom link will be sent via email on the day of the event. • The True Crime Book Club will discuss “Killers of the CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

WESTWOOD

Lunches from Thomas J. Riley Senior Center

Thomas J. Riley Senior Center Program Director Marisa Tarateta writes to say the center is offering local seniors lunch for a nominal donation of $3.50. November menu items include meatloaf with mashed potatoes and veggies, Parmesan crusted flounder with rice pilaf and string beans, and egg salad on rye with pasta veggie salad. “Pick-up of meals is avail-

able to everyone from our takeout ʻgoodie window.ʼ Delivery is available to all Westwood House residents! Catering is from La Casa Formoso,” Tarateta says. The mutli-purpose Thomas J. Riley Senior Center, serving individuals 60 or older and disabled individuals throughout the Pascack Valley, is at 100 Madison Ave. To reserve your meal, call (201) 666-0840.

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Flower Moon” when members meet virtually Thursday, Dec. 10 from 7 to 8 p.m. The club discusses a new true crime title every month. New members welcome. Register online for access to Zoom meeting. • At the Middle School Writersʼ Club, participants in grades 6 and up meet on Zoom to share and get feedback from each other on their personal writing pieces. Next date: Wednesday, Dec. 9 from 3:45 to 4:15 p.m. Register online. • The Monday Afternoon Book Group will discuss “The Dutch House” by Ann Patchett when it meets Monday, Dec. 14 from noon to 1:30 p.m. If interested in joining, email Lorissa.Lightman@montvale.bccls.org. FROM PAGE 16

• The Montvale Library Childrenʼs Room staff will select books according to your childʼs age and reading preferences. They can surprise you with a Mystery Book Bundle or pick out any book titles or series you have in mind. Write childrensdepartment@montvale.bccls.org with your BCCLS library card number, childʼs name, and book favorites. They will prepare a bag of personalized reads ready to pick up that same day. PARK RIDGE 51 Park Ave. (201) 391-5151 parkridge.bccls.org • Miss Renee Reads the Classics for Kids on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. Visit the libraryʼs Face-

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book for the best classic books in kid-friendly versions. • Storytime with Miss Sherri is every Thursday at 10 a.m. on the libraryʼs Facebook page (Park Ridge Public LibraryNJ). Stories, songs and a craft for little ones. • Crafts with Miss Renee is every Friday at 10:30 a.m. on the libraryʼs Facebook. You must call the library the Monday–Thursday before the craft to reserve your craft kit and it must be picked up that day. All ages are invited to participate as Miss Renee walks you through a fun craft at home. • Join Miss Eileen every Saturday for the Book It Club. Stories, science and more geared towards kids in primary grades. Takes place on the libraryʼs Facebook page Saturdays at 10 a.m. • Join Andrea for her next session of Yoga For Everyone

on Facebook Live. All ages and yoga abilities are invited to pull up in front of the screen for some yoga. Find Andrea live on the libraryʼs Facebook page (Park Ridge Public Library-NJ) on Monday, Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m.

RIVER VALE 412 Rivervale Road (201) 391-2323 rivervalelibrary.org • This week offers a special Adult Grab-and-Go Craft. Pick up supplies to weave your own cozy coaster. One craft per household. Supplies are limited. Crafts are first come, first served. • Pick up a Craft-to-Go for your child to do at home. This

weekʼs winter-themed craft is an owl magnet. One craft per child, for kids in pre-K through fifth grade. Supplies are limited and crafts are first come, first served. • Virtual Chair Yoga meets via Zoom every Tuesday at 11 a.m. This gentle form of yoga is designed for seniors and people with disabilities. Visit the libraryʼs website to register. • For more than a decade John Holl, an award-winning journalist, has covered the beer industry, traveling the globe and in search of the best beers, brewers, and flavors. Holl will be on Zoom Wednesday, Dec. 2 from 7 CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

MONTVALE

Borough seeks student volunteer ‘snow angels’

Calling all high school students who would like to participate in the 4th Annual Snow Angel Volunteer Program: Be a Snow Angel and help Montvale seniors who might need an extra

hand clearing snow from driveways or pathways and earn community service hours as well. If youʼre interested, visit montvale.org and find and complete the registration form along

with the waiver (under Government, then News and Announcements) and email them to ngayed@montvaleboro.org or drop them off at Borough Hall, attention of Nevene Gayed.

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NOVEMBER 30, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Library Calendar

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NOVEMBER 30, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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PASCACK VALLEY

NHL-worthy ice skating rink at Van Saun County Park

Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco announced that the Bergen County Parks Department will open a regulation NHL-size iceskating rink and a smaller synthetic childrenʼs practice rink this holiday season in Van Saun County Park. The Rink @ Winter Wonderland will offer a local outdoor

amusement for residents to enjoy with their families throughout the winter. “I understand how hard it has been for parents and families to find fun activities throughout this public health crisis. Despite the County not being able to host our annual Winter Wonderland Festival, I am glad that we will still be

able to offer families a slice of safe, socially distant holiday fun this winter,” Tedesco said in a press release. The Rink @ Winter Wonderland opened to the general public on Friday, Nov. 27 and be open daily through Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021. Weekend admission tickets will be sold in three hour sessions.

For entry, face masks must be worn at all times and visitors must purchase tickets in advance at BergenCountyWinterWonderland.co m. Weekend skating admission will be sold in three hour sessions. Saturday and Sunday ticket include unlimited access for Van Saun Carousel and Bergen County Zoo Train Ride Bergen County is also proud to once again partner with the New Jersey Devils for their Learn to Play program, offered to new, first-time participants (boys and girls). The program provides a unique opportunity for families to join the hockey community and for participants to develop fundamental skills to help them succeed both on and off the ice. Created jointly by the NHL and the NHLPA, this eight-week

on-ice program includes a full set of CCM equipment and features special appearances from New Jersey Devils Alumni. For more information and to register, visit http://learntoplay.nhl.com/devils. The Bergen County Parks Department is dedicated to providing recreation opportunities for all, preserving open space, enhancing environmental health, and protecting significant cultural and historic site for current and future generations. The Bergen County Parks System which has been connecting people to nature for over 73 years, spans nearly 9,000 acres and includes a nationally accredited zoo, six golf courses, 21 parks, two horseback riding areas, an environmental center and nine historic sites.

WESTWOOD

Patience, 50-Plus Club. No meetings yet

Organizers of the St. Andrewʼs 50-Plus Club (Westwood) regretfully announce that due to the pandemic, the club still does not have permission to schedule in-person monthly meetings. Meetings would normally have started back up in September. “We certainly will advise everyone when our meetings may be resumed,” they write. “Looking forward to seeing everyone soon.”

PARK RIDGE

PARK RIDGE POLICE RESERVE SEEKS OFFICERS

The Reserve Unit of the Park Ridge Police seeks new officers. The Reserve Unit is committed to upholding the Constitution, community, and agency it serves. The unit relies upon the professionalism, dedication, and commitment of its officers to accomplish this task. The vision of the Reserve Unit is to work as a vital part of the police department in building and maintaining the strong bonds of a healthy community policing program. This will be accomplished by providing all officers with the tools they need. In turn, the unit will assist the police department in meeting the challenges of reducing crime, creating a safer community, and improving the quality of life. The core values of this Unit are: integrity, professionalism, commitment, moral character, mutual respect, and teamwork. Applications to become a reserve officer in Park Ridge will be accepted until January. Applicants should understand

they are volunteering to contribute to the overall mission of the unit. Individuals are expected to be professional on and off duty and will be held accountable for their actions at all times. Before applying, make sure you and your family are ready for what will be required of you. In order to qualify you must be a citizen of the Unites States, live within five miles of Park Ridge (provided no program exists in your municipality), be at least 18, be in good physical and mental health, be at least a high school graduate, not have a criminal record or unsatisfactory driving record (background check required), successfully complete the next class held at the Bergen County Police and Fire Academy in Mahwah (classes held at night for three months), and expect to serve around 150 hours a year (includes training and duty time). For more information and an application, call Sgt. DiBlasi at (201) 391-5400 ext. 5232 or stop by police headquarters.

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WESTWOOD NOVEMBER 30, 2020 â&#x20AC;˘ PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Holiday home decoration contest seeks photos

The Westwood Recreation Department is happy to invite residents to participate in its first holiday home decorating contest. Recreation Director Gary Buchheister says in the invitation, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Get outside with your family and have fun creating magical holiday displays with lights, inflatables, scenes and more! We want to see how you add a little flair to make this unusal holiday season merry and bright! To enter, send a photo of your decorated home to rciarlante@westwoodnj.gov by Dec. 18. Your photo will be added to the recĘźs Facebook

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photo gallery (facebook.com/westwoodnjrec) for viewing. Judging by the Westwood Recreation Advisory Board commences on Dec. 19. Three winners will be announced on Dec 22. Winners will receive a $50 gift certificate to the Westwood business or restaurant of their choice and a lawn sign designating the winning homes. Buchheister says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We know there are limits to how we can gather, but there is no limit to how we can support each other by showing some holiday cheer. We canĘźt wait to see how you add some joy to the season.â&#x20AC;?

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During the most wonderful time of the year, be of good cheer and join the Closter Car Wash in helping get SantaĘźs sleigh in gear. Along with the Closter Police Department, Closter Car Wash will be collecting toys for local families in need. Help them fill SantaĘźs sleigh to make this holiday season jolly and bright

for those less fortunate. Sleigh bells ring, are you listeningâ&#x20AC;ŚDonate a new toy and receive a free car wash! Your car will be glistening and shining bright! Let your car sparkle, just like the twinkle in the eyes of kids from 1 to 92. Although itĘźs been said many times, many ways, Closter

Car Wash thanks you. Unwrapped, new toys can be dropped off at Closter Car Wash, 11 Endres St., Closter. Upon your donation, you will receive a free â&#x20AC;&#x153;Regular Washâ&#x20AC;? service. Upgrades are available for a fee. For more information, call (201) 767-0048.

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NOVEMBER 30, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

WHICH RETIREMENT PLAN IS RIGHT FOR YOUR BUSINESS? Editorʼs note: The following article is for informational purposes only. If you own a small business, there are many ERIC KOHLMEIER retirement plan alternatives available to help you and your eligible employees save for retirement. For most closely held business owners, a Simplified Employee Pension Individual Retirement Account (SEP IRA) was once the most cost-effective choice. Then

the Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE IRA) became a viable alternative. Today you may find that a defined benefit or 401(k) plan best suits your needs. To make an informed decision on which plan is right for your business, review the differences carefully before you choose. • Simplified Employee Pension Individual Retirement Account (SEP IRA). This plan is flexible, easy to set up, and has low administrative costs. An employer signs a plan adoption agreement, and IRAs are set up for each eligible employee. When choosing this

plan, keep in mind that it does not allow employees to save through payroll deductions, and contributions are immediately 100% vested. The maximum an employer can contribute each year is 25% of an employeeʼs eligible compensation, up to a maximum of $280,000 for 2019. However, the contribution for any individual cannot exceed $56,000 in 2019. Employer contributions are typically discretionary and may vary from year to year. With this plan, the same formula must be used to calculate the contribution amount for all eligible

employees, including any owners. Eligible employees include those who are age 21 and older and those employed (both part time and full time) for three of the last five years. • Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE). If you want a plan that encourages employees to save for retirement, a SIMPLE IRA might be appropriate for you. In order to select this plan, you must have 100 or fewer eligible employees who earned $5,000 or more in compensation in the preceding year and have no other employer-sponsored retirement plans to which contributions were made or accrued during that calendar year. There are no annual IRS filings or complex paperwork, and employer contributions are tax deductible for your business. The plan encourages employees to save for retirement through payroll deductions; contributions are immediately 100% vested. The maximum salary deferral limit to a SIMPLE IRA plan cannot exceed $13,000 for 2019. If an employee is 50 or older before Dec. 31, then an additional catchup contribution of $3,000 is permitted. Each year the employer must decide to do either a matching contribution (the lesser of the employeeʼs salary deferral or 3% of the employeeʼs compensation) or nonmatching contribution of 2% of an employeeʼs compensation (limited to $280,000 for 2019). All participants in the plan must be notified of the employerʼs decision each year no later than Nov. 2 for the upcoming year. • Defined benefit pension plan. This type of a plan may be a good solution for a profitable company with stable cash flow with intentions of benefitting employees over the age of 40. This type of plan can also help build savings quickly. It generally produces a much larger tax-deductible contribution for your business than a defined contribution plan; however, annual employer contributions are mandatory since each participant is promised a monthly benefit at retirement age. Since this plan is more complex to administer, the services of an enrolled actuary are required. All plan assets must be held in a pooled account, and your employees cannot direct their investments. Certain factors affect an employerʼs contribution for a plan, such as current value of the plan assets, the ages of employees, date th ry 25 ersa s nivecial n A Sp

of hire, and compensation. A participating employee with a large projected benefit and only a few years until normal retirement age generates a large contribution because there is little time to accumulate the necessary value to produce the stated benefit at retirement. The maximum annual benefit at retirement is the lesser of 100% of the employeeʼs compensation or $225,000 per year in 2019 (indexed for inflation). This plan design should only be considered with the intention of funding for a minimum of five years. • 401(k) plans. This plan may be right for your company if you want to motivate your employees to save towards retirement and give them a way to share in the firmʼs profitability. 401(k) plans are best suited for companies seeking flexible contribution methods. When choosing this plan type, keep in mind that the employee and employer have the ability to make contributions. The maximum salary deferral limit for a 401(k) plan is $19,000 for 2019. If an employee is age 50 or older before Dec. 31, then an additional catch-up contribution of $6,000 is permitted. The maximum amount you, as the employer, can contribute is 25% of the eligible employeeʼs total compensation (capped at $280,000 for 2019). Individual allocations for each employee cannot exceed the lesser of 100% of compensation or $56,000 in 2019 ($62,000 if age 50 or older). The allocation of employer profit-sharing contributions can be skewed to favor older employees, if using age-weighted and new comparability features. Generally, IRS Forms 5500 and 5500-EZ (along with applicable schedules) must be filed each year. Once you have reviewed your businessʼs goals and objectives, check with your financial advisor to evaluate the best retirement plan option for your financial situation. Written by/for Wells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of Eric Kohlmeier, senior financial advisor, managing director—investments in Park Ridge, (201) 5050472. Investments in securities and insurance products are not FDICinsured/not bank-guaranteed/may lose value. Wells Fargo Advisors, LAC, Member SIPS, is a registered broker-dealer and a separate nonbank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.

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THE SAVVY SENIOR: How to write an online will Dear S a v v y Senior, Writing a will has never been a high priority to me but this lingering coronavirus crisis has changed my BY JIM MILLER thinking. Can you recommend some good do-ityourself resources to help me write a simple will? — Getting Older

Dear Getting, The coronavirus crisis has changed the way a lot of people look at things, including wills. Currently, fewer than half of American adults have prepared a will. But having a last will and testament is important because it ensures that your money and property will be distributed to the peo-

ple you want to receive it after your death. If you die without a will, your estate will be settled in accordance with state law. Details vary by state, but assets typically are distributed using a hierarchy of survivors. Assets go to first to a spouse, then to children, then your siblings, and so on. You also need to be aware that certain accounts take precedence over a will. If you jointly own a home or a bank account, for example, the house, and the funds in the account, will go to the joint holder, even if your will directs otherwise. Similarly, retirement accounts and life insurance policies are distributed to the beneficiaries you designate, so it is important to keep them up to date too. Online Will Makers If you have a simple, straight-

forward estate and an uncomplicated family situation, writing your own will – with the help of a good online will making program – is a viable alternative to hiring an attorney and much cheaper. Like tax software, these online tools will guide you through a series of questions and will insert your answers into a will for you, and it usually takes less that 20 minutes from start to finish. Three top-rated do-it-yourself options include the Quicken WillMaker & Trust 2021 downloadable software (available at nolo.com) that costs $100 and works with Windows and Macs and is valid in every state except Louisiana; LegalZoom (legalzoom.com), which offers basic wills for $89 or $99 if youʼd like assistance from an independent attorney; and Trust & Will (trustandwill.com) which charges $89 for a basic will.

If thatʼs more than youʼre willing to pay, consider FreeWill (freewill.com), which is a completely free will making resource made possible with the support of nonprofit organizations.

When to Hire a Lawyer If you have considerable financial assets or a complex family situation, like a blended family or child with special needs, it would be smart for you to seek professional advice. An experienced lawyer can make sure you cover all your bases, which can help avoid family confusion and squabbles after youʼre gone. The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (naela.org) and the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (naepc.org) websites are good resources that have directories to help you find someone in your area.

Costs will vary depending on your location and the complexity of your situation, but you can expect to pay $200 to $1,000 to get your will made. To help you save, shop around and get price quotes from several different firms. And before you meet with an attorney, make a detailed list of your assets and accounts to help make your visit more efficient.

Make it Valid Be aware that to make your will valid, you must sign and date it and have it witnessed according to the laws of your state. Most states require two witnesses who are not listed as beneficiaries in your will to watch you sign it. Some states also require that a notary witness the signing as well. Nationalnotary.org can tell CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

NOVEMBER 30, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Health, Wellness &Fitness Guide

NOVEMBER 30, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Health, Wellness &Fitness Guide

DR. KAPLAN: ‘Enough vitamin D, less sugar for immune health’

Since many people are worried about the second wave, the best thing to do is to make a health plan. The first, most important, and easiest DR. ERIC KAPLAN, i m m e d i a t e KAPLAN BRAIN & action to take is BODY to check your vitamin D levels. More and more research is coming out supporting the notion that people who have bad outcomes in regards to Covid19 have low vitamin D levels. To have our immune system work best, we need high vitamin D

levels so I take 10,000 IU a day with a product called Ultra D 5000 from Apex Energetics and check my bloodwork to make sure my vitamin D levels are about 60 ng/mL. We get vitamin D from the sun. As winter approaches, we are inside more and the sun goes down earlier in the evening. Consequently, your chances of vitamin D levels going down will greatly increase thereby making you more susceptible to coronavirus, the common cold, and the flu. The second important factor that should be taken seriously is to eliminate sugar and sugar replacements. This is sugar season with

Halloween and Thanksgiving just passing, and now Christmas cookie time is just around the corner. The best advice is to give away the leftover pecan pie and donate all the sugar foods to a food pantry or to those in need. Get rid of all sugar foods, sugar drinks, and sugar-free products (if it is sugar-free then it has sugar replacements in it). If you do not have it in your house, you are less likely to indulge. Instead of ice cream, get a product from a company called Yonanas that makes ice cream just using frozen fruit. It tastes amazing and is very healthy. Eliminating sugar and sugar replacements

will reduce chances of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease which are the three most common comorbidities of Covid-19. On a daily basis, it is good to start creating good habits. Since the purpose of eating is to give us energy, we should eat only during the daylight hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, for a good nightʼs sleep, it is best to not eat for at least four hours before bedtime. So ideally, you can be done eating by 5 p.m., and then go to bed by 10 p.m. The most important hours of sleep are the hours before midnight. Another good tip to improve quality sleep is to go for a walk after dinner so the eyes see the sun going down and the skies getting darker. This will therefore naturally increase melatonin to aid with quality sleep. The quality of the sleep is more important than the amount of hours you are in bed. In addition to sleep, to boost your immune system it is best to drink water frequently and for a total amount that equals half your body weight in ounces. Do at least one good deed a day. Studies have shown that doing a good deed can improve your immune system up to 40%. In addition, the person you do the good deed for also gets a 40% boost in their immune system, as well. And amazingly, anyone who witnesses the good deed also gets a 40% boost in their immune system. How cool is that! Other good habits are to exercise, meditate, and talk to friends and family on a daily basis. If you have to wear a mask, take a fresh air breathing break every 20 minutes. Do not touch the front of your mask. Coronavirus can live up to eight days on your mask. Keep your mask in a sterilized environment before using it. Replace the mask with a clean one every hour and use washable ones to help save the environment and reduce PPE trash. Doctors are recommended to replace their masks every 90 minutes to two hours in sterile environments and they actually know how to handle their masks. Therefore, for the average person, they

should replace it every hour. Make sure you wash your hands with soap and water every time before touching it, as well. Another good tip to boost your immune system is to be in nature. Research has shown that grounding or earthing (digging your feet in the grass, dirt, or sand), can actually boost your immune system. Additionally, eating foods with high vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and spinach has also been proven to strengthen your immune response. Moreover, many doctors are finding zinc is very helpful to fight Covid-19, so eat foods like lentils, beans, seeds, nuts, and chickpeas, as well. There are also very easy conventional tips that we should not forget that are usually our first defense. For example, wash your hands with soap and water frequently. Do not touch your face, especially your mouth, nose, eyes, and ears. If you are sick, stay home to reduce the spread. Cough into your elbow whether you are wearing a mask or not. On a side note, if you use a lot of antibacterial products make sure you supplement with probiotics and switch the type of probiotics every two months. There are many types of bacteria so you do not want to always supplement with the same strains of bacteria. Not only is it best to increase activities that boost your immune system, but also it is necessary to avoid activities that weaken your immune system. One major contribution to a weak immune system is being in stress mode. The news is full of violence, trauma, war, fraud, murder, fights, rage, anger, death, disaster, and fear. This is not a good way to start the day, and is definitely not a good way to end the day. Shut off the news and start to laugh. Help people in need, be kind, do not judge others, and have empathy. Respect other people's opinions on health, politics, religion, and human rights. Surround yourself with positive people. Do not talk to doomsday peoCONTINUED ON PAGE 30

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The Westwood Farmersʼ Market is in the parking lot of the St. Thomas More Knights of Columbus Council 2188, at 40 Crest St., Westwood. The market is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Closter Farm & Livestock Co. is the local organic farmer with the freshest seasonal produce around! Some of the artisans found at the market include Smokinʼ Joeʼs,

Best Damn Lemonade, Three Charmed Gems, Traveling Mermaid Boutique, Elixir Kitchenʼs Gourmet Pet Treats, Olive Branch & Grape Vine, Conradʼs Confectionery, Spread the Rub, Jerky Rob, Paoloʼs Kitchen (Italian dinners on the go), Gunter Wilhelm Knives & Sharpening, Catalina Empanadas, Guac A Lot, Whole Plant Medicine,

Riley & Mee, and Artisanal Soaps. Additional artisans may join on a guest basis. For more information, call (201) 723-8807. Help raise funds for so many of the Knightsʼ charitable donations/events.

WESTWOOD

SENIOR FELLOWSHIP TAKING A BREAK

Judy Maribo of the Westwood Senior Fellowship writes, “We are thinking of our membership. Unfortunately it is not safe to get together yet. Please keep the faith.”

Before covid, the group enjoyed a full schedule of luncheons, trips, and special events. For more information, call Judy at (201) 664-3614.

PARK RIDGE

Diversity Committee seeks members

The Borough of Park Ridge is establishing a Diversity Committee to advise the administration. Volunteers willing to meet regularly and make recommenda-

tions related to diversity and inclusion in Park Ridge are welcome. Anyone interested should send their contact information to jfalkenstern@parkridgeboro.com.

Savvy: Online will you if a notary is needed to legalize a will in your state, if remote notary services are available, and how to access such online services to execute your will if you are sheltering at home during the pandemic.

FROM PAGE 23

Send your senior questions to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

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Holiday: Turkeys in great to watch the youth volunteers work with adult volunteers in our community,” he said. In addition to Helping Hand Food Pantry clients, organizations getting turkeys are Zion Lutheran Church in Westwood, Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Westwood, Hillsdale House, St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, and Parkside Community Church in Westwood. The pantry serves the towns of Emerson, Hillsdale, Oradell, Montvale, Washington Township, Westwood and Woodcliff Lake. Volunteer groups turned out to make the drive a success: Hillsdale PBA, Helping Hand Food Pantry

FROM PAGE 1

Board of Trustees, the Westwood Regional High School football team, and area middle and high school students. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) presented a certificate of recognition to the church, and trustees Lois and Roy Kohan, founders of the pantry, and helped unload turkeys from a procession of cars and trucks. Iron Horse Restaurant and Daveyʼs Locker were storing all the additional turkeys Council President Zoltán Horváth helped as well, and photographed the magic for the Hillsdale Happenings Facebook page. Gottheimer said, “Everyone should have a turkey on Thanksgiving. While our community is

REP. JOSH GOTTHEIMER lauds local helpers on Nov. 21.

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HELPING HAND: Rep. Josh Gottheimer, center, pitches in as volunteers deliver groceries. facing this economic crisis and growing food insecurity, Thanksgiving is not only a time to be thankful for what we have, itʼs a time to look out for those in need.” Gottheimer made similar appearances the same day in Hackensack at the Mount Olive Baptist Church and in River Edge at St. Peter the Apostle Church. In a statement from his office, he added later, “Itʼs so important to come together safely and support others in our North Jersey community, so thank you to everyone across the Fifth District whoʼs doing their part.” Asked her view of the hustle and bustle of the turnout, Lois Kohan told Pascack Press, “Itʼs a blessing, are you kidding? Itʼs wonderful, to have so many volunteers—it takes a lot of volunteers to keep it going.” Then she led us on a tour of the pantry in the basement of the church, where scouts were hard at work organizing food donations. The scene looked like the storeroom of a small supermarket. Kohan said it was unusual that so much food—above and beyond turkeys—was being donat-

ed.

“Itʼs been a hard year. People want to help. And there are local families who can use it, believe me,” she said.

TRUSTEE Lois Kohan directs.

The Helping Hand Food Pantry evolved from a need recognized in 1992 by a Boy Scout and Hillsdaleʼs public health nurse. The scout took the initiative to organize a food drive for his Eagle project. Seeing the need for continued food distribution, the public health nurse and welfare director managed the operation for the following six years. In 1998 the Hillsdale Clergy Association united the four Hillsdale churches to establish one ecumenically sponsored food pantry. The pantry is a non-profit charitable organization granted 501(C)(3) status by the IRS. It is entirely staffed by dedicated volunteers and relies on private donations, fundraisers, food drives and grants to serve those in need. To qualify for services, clients are required to confirm residency by providing two recent forms of ID with their name and address. For more information, visit helpinghandfoodpantry.com.

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HOME & GARDEN

Zone redevelopment plan set for vote Dec. 8 BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

HILLSDALE

A long-awaited redevelopment plan to attract potential developers to Hillsdaleʼs 14-acre mostly industrial and commercial Patterson Street area will either breathe new life into the area or lead to high density overdevelopment, according to two public officials engaged in a public dispute over the plan. At the heart of the dispute is the redevelopment planʼs proposed density bonuses that could increase the number of units a future developer could build on a specific piece of property in the redevelopment area. However, the decision on granting of future density bonuses lies completely with council members, and is not guaranteed to any developer despite there being in the redevelopment plan. Borough Council members voted, 5–1, on Nov. 23 to introduce an ordinance to adopt a Patterson Street Redevelopment Plan that includes an option for future developer density bonuses tied to possible community benefits such as construction of a new community center. A public hearing and final vote on the plan is set for Dec. 8. The Patterson Street Redevelopment plan, posted on the boroughʼs website, was strongly criticized by Mayor John Ruocco as

likely to lead to overdevelopment of Hillsdale versus the redevelopment that it initially intended, he said. Ruocco, a Planning Board member too, also criticized the plan when it was brought up before that board. Meanwhile, longtime council redevelopment advocate Frank Pizzella said the plan simply affords options to attract developers and that none of those options have to be approved by the current or a future council for any developer. Planning Board members opposed density bonuses Nov. 12 after reviewing the proposed redevelopment plan at a special meeting called to discuss the plan, which was unveiled Oct. 6 and posted on the borough website. Ruocco has spoken out several times against the plan, criticizing the likelihood it could lead to high-density developments, including 5story, 64-foot high buildings, that could include up to a maximum density of 60 dwelling units per acre. Of six council members, only Councilman Zoltán Horváth voted against introducing the 61-page redevelopment plan. Most council members voted in favor of introducing the plan and did not see density bonuses as a negative. Most appeared to agree with longtime council redevelopment advocate Frank Pizzella, who defended the plan and said the plan sets parameters for what can be

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negotiated by the current council or a future council. Horváth said he was against including a bonus density. He said that “automatically [is] telling them weʼre amenable to doing that… thatʼs terrible, terrible negotiating,” he said. Pizzella said “Weʼre not negotiating anything… We are creating a plan that allows for parameters. This is just a plan that allows us in the future to negotiate the best developerʼs agreements —plural—that the town can have.” He also questioned whether the borough would bond for a community center despite current optimal economic conditions, as Ruocco suggested. The council is under pressure to

adopt a redevelopment plan by midMarch 2021 to satisfy its obligations under its 2018 affordable housing settlement. Previously, the council discussed possible rezoning or adopting a redevelopment plan. Pizzella stressed that a redevelopment plan provides the council with land-use control over the approximate 14-acre area included in the industrial zone. According to its affordable settlement plan, the borough needs to provide 24 affordable units and to rezone the industrial area at 28 dwelling units per acre. While Ruocco said the plan with density bonuses might ultimately change the character of Hillsdale, he also questioned the plan provides no fiscal analysis to evaluate future costs and benefits of redevelopment.

However, Pizzella and the planning consultant who helped develop the plan stressed that an actual redevelopment project is needed before possible costs and benefits can be assessed. Pizzella said the redevelopment plan enables the borough to keep control of redevelopment in the industrial area and the density bonuses “allow for flexibility [and] you keep the control. All of that gets discussed [only] when a developer comes to town. If we do it now [rezoning] we pay for it [professional site plan review]. If we do it then [with plan] then the developer pays for it [with escrow].” He encouraged residents to read the plan online before the Dec. 8 public hearing.

faces difficulties due to the pandemic and shifts in economic trends. We need to explore available options for economic growth,” he told us.

wood. “State and local revenues are important but should not be the primary driver in how and when we implement legalization,” Montana wrote. By way of background in Westwood, the 2018 election ended the council tenure of Republican Alyssa Dawson, a former staffer with Gov. Chris Christie and Lt. Gov. Kim Guagdanoʼs offices, who made a near-immediate impact after the town Republican Committee appointed her that May. Dawson, a public relations account executive, had introduced a blanket marijuana ban that surprised the Democratic administration with its suddenness. Dawson did not win election alongside running mate Ray Arroyo, who is now mayor. She went on to serve as state Assemblywoman Holly Schepisiʼs chief of staff. Defending the ban as timely and responsible, she said its urgency was over giving Westwood a way out of possibly being forced to accommodate what was then seen as the pending statewide legalization of recreational marijuana. The blanket ban, backed by the Westwood Police Department and Board of Health, survived a mayoral veto and was a lightning rod in that election and at council meetings. Police Chief Michael Pontillo supported the ban in 2018, and this Nov. 3 won a seat on the Westwood Regional School Board.

Cannabis: Survey says… While no official came out in favor of hosting a local cannabis enterprise, the five respondents took a mostly wait-and-see attitude as the state develops rules, sets tax rates, and allocates anticipated tax revenues.

FROM PAGE 10

Woodcliff Lake Newly elected Woodcliff Lake councilman Richard Schnoll, who during a campaign debate said he would consider local cannabis sales, told Pascack Press that “the pros outweigh the cons… at least people will stop being arrested and prosecuted for small amounts of marijuana, which disproportionately affects communities of color.” He added, “Legalized recreational marijuana has worked well in other states. We need regulations to make it impossible for minors to purchase. I am also somewhat concerned about people driving while high and the steps necessary to prove same legally.” He said, “Lastly, there must be sufficient security so that the dispensaries do not become crime havens. I do not believe that crime has been a significant problem in other states and we can learn from other states that have legalized before us.” Reelected incumbent councilman Craig Marson said the cons outweigh the pros for newly legalized recreational marijuana. “Considering you will not be able to reverse this trend and marijuana is ubiquitous, we should be tightly controlling its cultivation, distribution and use. However, I am concerned that sustained use may significantly reduce cognitive and physical abilities,” Marson told us. Marson said he fully favored medical marijuanaʼs continued “appropriate uses” and that host municipality excise tax needs to be over the proposed 2%, similar to California, Colorado, and Illinois. Asked about a local retail shop, he left the door open. “Woodcliff Lake, like thousands of towns across the country,

Hillsdale Most of the five officials who participated in our survey seemed willing to consider the possibility of a local cannabis enterprise, if sales taxes make the deal favorable. Only one, Hillsdale Council President Zoltán Horváth, said he would not consider such an idea. Horváth said the town council had already passed an ordinance to exclude any local marijuana shops. He foresaw a host of social ills resulting from such sales. “The legalization of recreational marijuana will extrapolate into many obvious and unforeseen problems, ranging from law enforcement, schools, addiction, violence, crime, black marketeering, traffic accidents, deaths, health, a plethora of social issues along with resultant and exacerbated psychiatric disorders,” he said. He added, “It is unfortunate that the people who voted for legalization did not seem to do their due diligence. There are multitudes of documented case studies showing the harmful and debilitating impact marijuana legalization and use has had on locations that have gone down that self-indulgent primrose lane.”

Westwood Westwood Council President Christopher Montana said it will take “decades, not years” to determine if legalization was a wise choice. “The perceived benefits of removing the stigma, pitfalls and fall-out resulting from a criminal record for possession compared to the perceived detriments of increased crime and addiction, will need to be measured over decades not years,” Montana told Pascack Press. He said heʼll need to review “the particulars” of state legislation defining the cannabis legalization program in New Jersey and promised to “keep an open mind” before developing any local plan for West-

Park Ridge Responding for Park Ridge's newly elected Republican council members, William Fenwick wrote: “John Cozzi and I are both very concerned about our state's budget crisis and are very worried that attempts by certain state legislators to earmark marijuana sales tax revenues for pet projects will create an even more horrendous budgetary situation that will harm our residents.” They declined to respond to specific questions.

NOVEMBER 30, 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

NOVEMBER 30, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

PASCACK VALLEY

Deal: Park Ridge mayor: ‘This case is bleeding us’

REAL ESTATE

requesting, offers no PILOT or tax break to the developer, and will generate much more tax revenue than the site's current office use. Currently, said Borough Administrator Julie Falkenstern, the former Sony site pays $890,000 in annual taxes and she estimated taxes after development would be about $2.6 million. It was suggested about $1.7 million would be set aside for the school district to accommodate new students, although several residents questioned whether the extra tax revenue would cover the new school costs and other municipal services. The settlement agrees to pay Fair Share Housing Center $150,000 for legal fees, an amount smaller than initially requested by the low-income housing advocate, said attorneys. The settlement sets the boroughʼs third round affordable obligation at 225 affordable units. The borough satisfies the 225-unit, third-round obligation via 15 affordable units at the Park Ridge Transit LLC's 240-unit mixed-use development on Kinderkamack Road; 51 affordable family rental units at Bearʼs Nest/Bergen County United Way

FROM PAGE 9

site; 28 assisted living units at worked their asses off on this. We Atrium; 68 family rental units at spent a lot of money… and people Landmark AR Park Ridge Resi- complained about tax increases,” dential Development; and six said Misciagna, who ran for accessory apartments. mayor opposing a previous affordThat totals 168 affordable able housing settlement and units, plus 67 credits for rental vowed to fight high density units, which equals 225 units, housing. states the settlement. A couple resHe told one resident opposed idents raised questions about the to the settlement that “one of my breakdown of unit bedrooms in biggest fears” is that “the vultures the 448-unit family rental Land- will be circling those properties” mark Residential Development, — referring to potentially availand what impacts more bedrooms able sites such as the Park Ridge may have on local school costs Marriott acreage, should the borand municipal services. ough lose its immunity and con“The bedroom distribution of trol over local zoning. the affordable units shall be 15% Referring to attorneysʼ costs one bedroom units, 35% three to fight the case, which Misciagna bedroom units, with the remaining said were $700,000 annually over 50% being two bedroom units. In the last several years, he said there accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:93- were “a lot of things weʼd like to 10.2(c), the bedroom mix within do. This case is bleeding us.” the market rate units within the Misciagna said he would Landmark Residential Develop- “continue fighting” against future ment shall be at Landmarkʼs sole affordable housing mandates. discretion,” reads the settlement. “At this time, this will be the Several times during the 2.5- best outcome for Park Ridge. hour meeting, Misciagna None of us can be happy about it empathized with callers opposing at this point,” he said. the settlement, but told them the settlement was the best they could do without further risking more high density development should Let us help promote your club or they lose their immunity to organization. Send all news to builderʼs lawsuits. “Everybody on this council pascackpress@thepressgroup.net

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About a dozen residents called in to question or oppose the settlement. Approximately 30 people were watching at peak viewing time on PKRG-TV, which livestreamed the meeting on YouTube. Falkenstern mentioned the YouTube livestream about 6:20

p.m. during the meeting but the link was not posted on the meeting agenda. It was unclear how many people tried to access the meeting via an open phone line, although several callers mentioned difficulties in getting through.

ple who are always enhancing the fear. We must avoid bad people and avoid bad food. It is very important to reduce inflammatory foods such as wheat, dairy, corn, soy, and alcohol for the best outcomes. Unfortunately many people are drinking more alcohol and eating more comfort foods since the start of the pandemic. Try to replace these bad habits with stress reduction techniques. Instead of going for the beer, try tai chi or yoga. Replace donuts with pilates. Instead of eating the bag of chips, go for a walk. Throw out the bagel or muffin and get a punching bag. Be more social, give people compliments and do not fight with people who have different worldly views. Do not get mad at people who do not wear masks, and just stay six feet away. Do not get mad at people who had Thanksgiving dinner with more than six people, just stay six feet away from them or wear a mask if you are around them. Come from love and show your best side to everyone you encounter. We need to come together because we are all in this together.

I have been donating vitamin D to those people in need to help fight Covid-19. If anyone knows anyone in need, is in need themselves, or wants to sponsor a family or nursing home and provide vitamin D for just a very small amount of money email me at info@kaplanbrainanbody.com. Not only are we giving away free vitamin D, but if you want to help a family and donate a bottle of vitamin D, let us know and we will give you a free copy of my book “Boost Your Brain Power: A guide to improving your memory and focus” to show our appreciation for helping others in the community. You can also call (201) 2612150 to set up a free memory brain test at my Emerson office or we can do it virtually. At Kaplan Brain & Body, we will be giving away the free vitamin D, the free book, and the free brain test all December. Share the love and let others know. Editorʼs note: The authorʼs views do not necessarily reflect ours. Publication is not an endorsement. We have not factchecked the assertions made in this sponsored content. Check with your primary care physician on health concerns, including Covid-19 and depression.

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When Hornrock Properties LLC recently transferred its ownership in the 37-acre former Sony property spanning Park Ridge (30.25 acres) and Montvale (7 acres) to a new entity, Landmark AR Park Ridge LLC, questions arose as to its makeup and Hornrockʼs interest and relationship to the new corporation. Our public records request shows that Hornrock Properties LLC, Park Ridge, is one of three corporate partners invested in Landmark AR Park Ridge LLC. An ownership disclosure statement filed by Landmark AR Park Ridge LLC notes that three corporate entities own a 10% or more interest: Hornrock Properties MPR, 9 Polito Ave., Lyndhurst; Parkvale Developers LLC,

c/o Landmark Companies LLC, 9 Polito Ave., Lyndhurst; and Landmark PRM Investors, LLC, c/0 Landmark Companies LLC, 9 Polito Ave., Lyndhurst. Ownership disclosure for Hornrock Properties MPR, LLC shows three owners: Avichai Properties MPR LLC, One Sony Drive, Park RIdge, listing David, Maurice and Elana Hornblass owning 10% or more; IGRE Corp., 29 Old Colony Road, Toronto, ON, listing Irving Gronosky owning 10% or more; and Stone Family Partnership LP, 177 9th Ave., N.Y. N.Y. listing Aaron, Juliet and Phoebe Stone owning 10% or more. No owners or individuals are disclosed owning 10% or more of Parkvale Developers LLC. Ownership for Landmark

PRM Investors LLC lists two families: Gottlieb Family LLC, owners Michael and Peter Gottlieb; and Harvitt Family LLC, owners Eric, Renee, and Daniel Harvitt. Hornrock Properties LLC, of Park Ridge, now part of Landmark AR Park Ridge LLC, has been an intervenor for nearly five years in Park Ridgeʼs contentious affordable housing negotiations. Hornrock was also an intervenor in nearby Montvaleʼs affordable housing litigation, and Montvale's affordable housing settlement in late 2017 permits the developer to build a 185-unit luxury rental apartment complex, which includes 37 affordable units. The Park Ridge Borough Council settled its long-contested

affordable litigation Nov. 23, which permits Landmark AR Park Ridge LLC to construct a 448-unit multifamily rental apartment complex, including 68 affordable units, on a 30-acre former Sony property in Park Ridge. The approval for a 448-unit rental complex comprises the bulk of multifamily units and affordable units permitted for construction in the affordable housing settlement. Landmark AR Park RIdge LLC also is requesting land-use permission from the Park RIdge Zoning Board of Adjustment to construct an access road on a less

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Friedberg & Associates Coat Drive Thru Jan. 7

Friedberg Properties & Associates is participating again with the Greater Bergen Realtors Community Service Annual Coat Drive. Donations of adult and childrenʼs winter coats will be collected and distributed through the 25th Annual Jersey Cares Coat Drive. For over 20 years, Jersey Cares has collected, sorted, and distributed more than 500,000 coats to New Jersey residents through their annual coat drive. Join Friedberg Propertiesʼ

agents by donating gently used, clean winter jackets and coats for men, women, children and infants. Your donated coat opens opportunities for someone who needs warm outerwear. Help a student to focus on his or her studies in a cold classroom or allow a job-seeker to continue a search during the winter. Enable a neighbor to go out for medication in a storm. A spare coat or jacket hanging in the back of your closet can be life-changing for someone in need.

Due to COVID-19, all donations must be in sealed bags without hangers. Donations can be made by appointment only, at any Friedberg Properties office, from Nov. 16 through Jan. 7, 2021. Drop-off locations are at 213 Rivervale Road, River Vale (201) 666-0777, 1018 Closter Dock Road, Alpine (201) 768-6868, and 105 Union Ave., Cresskill (201) 871-0800. For more information, call your local Friedberg Properties & Associates office.

than 1-acre sliver of land to access its approved 185-unit luxury apartment complex in Montvale, which is still to be constructed. Over the past several years, Hornrock had pushed for building up to 972 housing units on the 30-acre Park Ridge property to help Park RIdge satisfy its affordable housing “unmet need.” Park Ridge contended its affordable plan submitted in 2018 to provide “realistic development potential” or RDP for 81 units of affordable housing satisfied its obligations. —Michael Olohan

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ON THE ROAD Lawmakers seek comeback of ’80s blue license plates

IF THE SIGHT of a classic 1980s blue license plate makes your heart go pitter-pat, youʼre not alone. State Sen. Kristin Corrado and Assemblyman Kevin Rooney have each introduced bills to authorize the Motor Vehicle Commission to sell the light blue plates, which debuted in New Jersey in 1979 and havenʼt been issued since 1991. There will need to be at least 500 applicants for the plates before the commission would get

started. The lawmakers said it would cost $25,000 to design, produce, and distribute the plates, meaning early adopters would have to pony up an estimated $50 upfront and $10 annually to offset the costs. Public funds would not be used for the initial rollout, according to the bill. The plates could be used on any motor vehicle owned or leased and registered in the state. The measure was next headed to the State Senate. — John Snyder

GOING PLACES! Pascack Press Editor John Snyder in 1987 behind the wheel of his first car, a 1978 Chevy Nova, where Casey Kasem's American Top 40, aired by 95.5 WPLJ, likely was pumping from the speakers. He says the classic blue license plate needs to make a comeback. — Photo of license plate, left: Holland with Boston, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

2021 Westwood parking decals are available; in effect Jan. 1

Good news for residents, residential commercial parkers, and nonresidents wishing to get a 2021 parking decal for use in the Borough of Westwood. The decals were available starting Nov. 23. All 2021 decals must be used starting Jan. 1, 2021. • 2021 resident commuter parking decals are available to Westwood residents only. Decals can be purchased by mail or by

dropping off a copy of your driverʼs license, registration, self-addressed stamped envelope and $10 check (made out to Borough of Westwood) to the Borough Clerkʼs Office, 101 Washington Ave., Westwood, NJ 07675, attn: Resident Decals. • 2021 commercial vehicle parking decals are available to Westwood residents only, and at no charge. Decals can be obtained by mail or by dropping off a copy of

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your driverʼs license, registration, self-addressed stamped envelope, attn.: Borough Clerkʼs Office, 101 Washington Ave., Westwood, NJ 07675. A Westwood license and vehicle registration must be presented. This parking permit authorizes the parking of a commercial vehicle in a residential zone. • 2021 non-resident com-

muter parking decals. Parking for non-residents in the Borough Hall municipal parking lot is first-come, first-served. Purchase of a decal does not guarantee a parking space. There is a daily fee of $3 in addition to the required decal, which costs $20. Decals can be purchased by mail or by dropping off a copy of your driverʼs license, registration, self-

addressed stamped envelope and $20 check (*Borough of Westwood) to the Borough Clerkʼs Office, attn: Non-Resident Decals, 101 Washington Ave., Westwood, NJ 07675. For more information, call Borough Clerk Karen Hughes at (201) 664-7100 or visit westwoodnj.gov.

How to approach buying a preowned vehicle

Vehicles are considerable investments. According to Kelley Blue Book, the estimated average transaction price for light vehicles in early 2018 was $36,270. Perhaps because of that price tag, many people in the market for cars and trucks shop for preowned vehicles, which statistics indicate are considerably less expensive than new automobiles. Edmunds.com notes that the average transaction price for a used vehicle purchased in the first quarter of 2018 was $19,700. Of course, preowned vehicles carry more risk than new cars. That said, car buyers in the market for preowned vehicles can take steps to protect themselves against the risks associated with buying used cars. • Shop for certified preowned vehicles. Certified preowned vehicles, or CPOs, typically come with an inspection and extended warranty. That can ease the concerns of buyers worried about buying a lemon. Many CPOs are recently returned off-lease vehicles that tend to have low mileage. Lessees are obligated to return leased vehicles in good condition or suffer financial penalties, meaning most off-lease vehicles will be well-maintained. • Recognize “certified” and “CPO” are not the same thing.

CAR BUYERS in the market for preowned vehicles can take steps to protect themselves against the risks associated with buying used cars. Edmunds.com notes that thereʼs sometimes a difference between vehicles that are characterized as “certified” and “certified preowned.” The CPO designation typically means the vehicle manufacturer stands behind the vehicle and its warranty. A vehicle described as “certified” many only be backed by the dealership itself. Thatʼs an important distinction for buyers who may travel a lot or those who plan to move, as a manufacturer-backed warranty should allow them to take the vehicle to any of the manufacturerʼs dealerships for repairs, regardless of where those dealerships are located.

Drivers of vehicles that are only certified by a dealership may only be able to take their cars in for repairs at that particular dealership. • Get a vehicle history report. Some sellers, whether itʼs dealerships or private citizens, may provide vehicle history reports. But even if they donʼt, the cost of such reports is negligible compared to the value of the information they provide. These reports indicate if a vehicle has been in any serious accidents and indicate mileage that can alert buyers to illegal odometer adjustments, and some may even indicate if maintenance was performed at manufacturer-recommended intervals. If sellers are reluctant to provide reports or the VIN numbers of a vehicle necessary to order them, then walk away. • Take a long test drive. A long test drive through various conditions (hills, curvy roads, highways, etc.) can give buyers a feel of how a preowned vehicle handles. Donʼt succumb to pressure to cut test drives short, and be wary of sellers who want to keep test drives to a minimum. Preowned vehicles can be great investments, especially when buyers take steps to make the most informed decisions possible.

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William ELLIS

William Ellis, 76, of River Vale, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020 in McLean, Virginia. He was a kind and loving husband to his wife, Maura, a wonderful father to his four children, and a decent grandfather to his nine grandchildren. Bill was always the life of the party. He loved a good martini— Bombay Sapphire with as many olives as the glass could hold— and after the first, he loved any martini, often followed by unsolicited renditions of “Danny Boy” and “Amazing Grace.” He was a notorious Uno cheater and enjoyed many a game late into the night with his best friends, Chris and Terry Kirkby.

OBITUARIES

An avid reader, he often went through multiple books a week. Bill loved puns, some good, most bad, and used them as often as possible without regard for prior use. A master of minutiae, there was never an unconquered crossword puzzle in the home or a college ranking forgotten. Bill challenged every “Jeopardy!” player, and by his own account, always beat the buzzer. An animal and nature lover, one of his favorite pastimes was long walks in the woods. There was never a plant under-watered or a pet unloved when he was around. Bill was a fixture in River Vale. From the time Maura coaxed him to start coaching soccer in 1984 to get him out of the house, to serving on the soccer board and coaching more than one winning travel team—an amazing feat for someone who knew nothing about the sport—he dedicated himself to volunteerism and his children.

Library Calendar

to 8 p.m. to talk about his new cookbook, “Dishing Up New Jersey,” which celebrates the foods, flavors, cultures, and traditions of the Garden State. Register online for access to virtual talk. • Have you been wanting to join all of the libraryʼs exciting online programs but are feeling intimidated by Zoom? Zoom for Beginners is an informational Zoom session where you can ask all your questions, test out functions, and troubleshoot together! Meeting is Thursday, Dec. 3 from 11 a.m. to noon. Visit the libraryʼs website to register (this will allow you to receive the Zoom login information) and find links for a few videos you can watch beforehand. • At Sing & Sign, River Vale residents ages 6 months to 4 years FROM PAGE 17

can join Miss Fran and Beebo for an interactive program where they sing, learn some sign language, clap, jump and dance together while listening to her guitar. This program is held virtually via Zoom on Friday, Dec. 4 from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Register online. • The World of Tea with Nina Androski is your introduction to the world of loose-leaf tea from plant to teacup. Learn about the history of tea, the five main types of teas, how to brew the perfect cup and the wellness benefits of drinking tea. This virtual program is Friday, Dec. 4 from 1 to 1:45 p.m. Register online. • River Vale Readers Book Club (grades 2–3) will meet on Zoom Tuesday, Dec. 8 from 4 to 4:30 p.m. to discuss “The Magnificent Mya Tibbs: Spirit Week Showdown” by Crystal Allen. Copies are available at the front

During his lengthy service as recreation director in town he pioneered the Oktoberfest celebration and grew the ragamuffin parade and town Easter egg hunt. His children have fond memories of filling thousands of eggs and serving as the Easter bunny. Bill helped build the memorial playground near Holdrum School and was so proud of the park he often took his grown children, and later grandchildren, to visit. His strong commitment to the children of the town was also evident during his 17-year service on the River Vale Board of Education, a volunteer job he loved deeply. The son of Molly (Koshkin) and Herman Ellis, Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Maura, brother Robert, daughter Jennifer (Michael Corcoran), sons Charles (and Cathy), Kevin (and Sarah), and Michael (and Kate), grandchildren Molly and Michael Corcoran, Connor and Nathan

Ellis, Asher, Grayson, and Eleanor Ellis, and Anna and Emily Ellis, as well as many nieces and nephews whom he loved deeply. The family will hold a memorial service next summer in River Vale. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Pascack Valley Regional High School earmarked for the William and Maura Ellis Family Scholarship.

Joan M. SENKEVICH

Joan Marie Senkevich (née Rudnicki), 87, passed away peacefully on Monday, Nov. 16, 2020. Born in Fair Lawn, Joan was a 60-year resident of Township of Washington. Joan is the devoted mother of Janet, Karen and Edward Jr.; loving grandmother of Jennifer,

Stephanie and Julia; cherished Babci of Jacob as well as being survived by many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased in 2011 by her husband Edward, her high school sweetheart as well as her daughter-in-law Suzanne in June, 2020. Joan was a founding parishioner of Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church and a 50-year member of the Township Contemporary Womenʼs Club. She was employed by the Borough of Paramus for over 25 years and was very active in the Township Golden Seniors. A Mass celebrating Joanʼs life and faith was held at Our Lady Of Good Counsel R.C. Church, with entombment at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus. Memorial contributions can be made in Joanʼs name to St. Jude Childrenʼs Research Hospital at Stjude.org/Donate or the charity of your choosing.

Sign up online to pick up an early have to write down as many literacy bag with a scarf and words as you can from the cubes shaker to join in. Links posted on in three minutes. Must have YouTube, Facebook, and the paper and pencil to play. Register online. libraryʼs website. TOWNSHIP OF • Children up to age 6 can • Yoga with Miss Danielle WASHINGTON is Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 10 a.m. join Miss Jolie to Move and 144 Woodfield Road on Facebook Live. 18 months Groove on Facebook Live on Fri(201) 664-4586 day, Dec. 4 from 10:30 to 11 a.m. and up. twpofwashingtonpl.org • The library will offer a Register online. Miss Jolie will • On Mondays at 7:30 p.m., join instructor Jacki for a Virtual Cookie Decorating Demo on get them moving, dancing and Yoga Class. Follow along at your Thursday, Dec. 10 at noon via singing with her energetic and own pace in this class that is Facebook, YouTube and Insta- fun performance. • Gingerbread Man Story great for all abilities and skill gram. Allyssa will show you how levels. Registration information to make, decorate sugar cookies. & Craft (grades K–2) on Google Meet Friday, Dec. 4 from 3:30 to available on the libraryʼs website. 4:15 p.m. Children will listen to WESTWOOD • STEAM Thursdays, a the traditional “Gingerbread 49 Park Ave. program for school-age kids, is Man” story and then make a little (201) 664-0583 every Thursday at 4 p.m. Lego gingerbread man craft. After westwoodpubliclibrary.org challenges, books, crafts, experi• Play Boggle (grades 4–5) signing up online, you will ments, and cooking—each week itʼs something new! Links will be on Google Meet this Thursday, receive an email stating when to posted on Facebook and YouTube Dec. 3 from 4 to 4:30 p.m. (also pick up the craft kit. Youʼll need Dec. 10 and 17). Kids will have to supply a hot glue gun and as well as the libraryʼs website. • Friday Friends, a story- fun playing this game where you markers. time for babies and toddlers up to 2, convenes Fridays at 10 a.m. Rhymes, songs, and a short story. From our families to yours, please have desk or through Libby as an eBook. Registration is required; sign up online.

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Thank you.

a safe, secure, and wonderful Thanksgiving. We are grateful for your support and delighted to serve. Sincerely, Pascack Press.

Jigsaw puzzles capture scenes in Westwood

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The Friends of the Westwood Public Library and Celebrate Westwood have teamed up to bring you a way to recognize some of your favorite places in town, while also supporting the community. They are now selling commemorative jigsaw puzzles— each one 100 pieces, approximately 9-by-12 inches—perfect for any Westwood lover. There are five local scenes to choose from: PJ Finneganʼs, The Iron Horse, Westwood Cycle, the

Westwood Library, and the bandstand in Veterans Park. They go for $20 each, or, for a limited time, all five for $75. All proceeds from this fundraiser go to the Friends of the Library and Celebrate Westwood, who in turn support local businesses, restaurants and residents in this difficult time. Visit the libraryʼs website, westwoodpubliclibrary.org, to see the puzzles and for information about purchasing.

counties were due to certify by Nov. 20 but due to Covid-19 related staff shortages in two counties, Salem and Ocean, Gov. Phil Murphy extended their deadlines. Those deadlines were extended to no later than Nov. 25. The certified final election totals included all late-arriving mail-in ballots, plus provisional totals added in only after the paper ballots were vetted and cross-verified against previously cast mail-in ballots to weed out any duplicate votes, said election officials. FROM PAGE 1

Letters:

valley have built in their redevelopment or rezoning efforts. Montvale fought hard to hammer out a deal allowing the building of 185 units on 7 acres of the former Sony property. Thatʼs 26 units/acre. Why would Hillsdale be willing to concede much more? Making matters worse, by allowing for the possibility of such high density overdevelopment, this would place the borough at a negotiating disadvantage with the Fair Share Housing advocates when the next round of affordable housing discussions take place in 2025. This redevelopment plan could be an early holiday gift to any potential developer. They will press for the highest density and height that the council could permit using density and height bonuses. I urge residents to become familiar with the plan and voice their views at the public hearing on this ordinance at the Hillsdale Council meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m. (via Zoom) where

FROM PAGE 2

Thanking families at HUNS

To the editor: THE FIRST THANKSGIVING was remembered at Hillsdale United Nursery School as children learned that friends joined to share food and friendship. Students gathered outside by a tee-pee to share turkey songs and poems. The fake fire kept them warm while they played their drums! Happy Thanksgiving to all of our families from Hillsdale United Nursery School! Director Carol Stalter Hillsdale United Nursery School

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Meanwhile, President Trump, his legal team, and many of his supporters are denying he lost. Though he has produced no evidence of wrongdoing in the elecion, he continues his fight in courtrooms, with state legislators, and in the court of public opinion. New Jerseyʼs 14 electoral votes will be pledged in midDecember to Biden, who won the statewide vote over Trump 57% to 41%. Libertarian candidate Jo Jorgensen placed third, with 0.7%, or 31,677 votes, according to Associ-

ated Press. Superintendent of Elections Patricia DiCostanzo told Pascack Press on Nov. 23, “I think it went great. We all worked very hard. We tried to answer all the questions from the public and we think most people were pretty happy with the way things turned out.” She added, “Thereʼs always some cranky people out there who get on the phone…but we answered that I think to the best of our ability.” Total countywide votes for Biden were 269,802 mail-in votes

and 16,149 provisional votes. Trump totaled 190,176 mail-in votes and 14,183 provisional votes. Total provisional votes countywide were 31,635. Originally, approximately 34,000 provisional votes were received but after vetting by elections workers, including signature, address, and registration verification, and checking for double-voting, the total number of ballots was reduced. Cure letters were sent out on both mail-in ballots and provisional ballots to attempt to remedy sig-

nature discrepancies in advance of the Nov. 20 certification deadline. We reported online last week that after provisional votes were counted, no Pascack Valley race outcomes were changed. Mostly the provisional paper ballots simply added to the winnersʼ totals. In the closest local election in Park Ridge, Republicans William Fenwick and John Cozzi outpolled incumbent Michael Mintz and running mate Raymond Mital. For official election results, visit the Bergen County Board of Elections online.

the council will vote on its adoption. Check the borough website, hillsdalenj.org, under “Government, Agendas & Minutes” for details. Mayor John J. Ruocco Hillsdale

park when using it? There are better options. They should have accepted the reasonable recommendations of the Planning Board. Their plan includes unlimited high density bonuses and building height. It will result in congestion, overcrowding in our schools and a stress on our emergency services. It will destroy the character of Hillsdale. Any promise of increased tax revenue for the municipal town budget could be lost through (PILOT) agreements with developers. Taxes may actually go up as schools may need to expand, and new equipment for the fire, DPW, and police departments may be needed due to now having 5- or 6-story buildings. The problems they will create will be here long after this council is gone. And why are they doing this in the middle of a pandemic, using Zoom video meetings that exclude anyone who is not tech savvy? What is the hurry? They claim they must act by February 2021 due to the Fair Share Housing agreement. This is not true. There is no rush, as the area could be immediately rezoned to accommodate Fair Share. Then, a redevelopment plan that works, without totally

changing the small town character of Hillsdale, could still be done. The fears that Waste Management will reopen their transfer station are ridiculous. Removal of demands for a community center and other town freebies will take the pressure off WMʼs request for high density. Right now, the only winner in this is Waste Management. I encourage all residents to slow down this train wreck and to question those on council who are ignoring the Planning Board input, residentsʼ input, and common sense. Email the council with your concerns. Address emails to the borough clerk at dkohan@hillsdalenj.org. Former mayor Doug Frank Hillsdale

on our record and accomplishments on and off the dais. We are confident that our commitment to serve only in the best interest of our residents and businesses was evident in the final results. Over the past months we along the Always Westwood team walked many miles, knocked on thousands of doors and spoke with residents about their likes, concerns, and needs from the town we all call home. We communicated our many accomplishments including improvements in Westwoodʼs financial position, infrastructure upgrades, and resident programs as well as our future plans for Westwood. If you hosted a sign, wrote a letter or provided words of encouragement when we met on the street or via social media, know that it is greatly appreciated. We will continue to represent all Westwood residents and businesses while serving on council. Our door, ears and minds are open to residents and the ideas that will drive our community forward today and always (Westwood). Councilmember Cheryl Hodges, Council President Chris Montana Westwood

Hillsdale plan ‘rushed’

To the editor: I AM IN FAVOR of a reasonable redevelopment plan for the Hillsdale industrial zone. But the Hillsdale Council is pushing ahead with a high density redevelopment plan without studies to show its impact on our town. They rejected the Planning Board recommendations with regard to density and building height. This should give concern to every resident. They voted on Nov. 23 for this plan without addressing our environment, traffic, finances, downtown businesses, public safety, or our schools. Ask yourself, Why are they willing to negatively impact our quality of life just to get a “free” community center? Why build one in what will be the most densely developed section of town. Where would residents

Thank you, Westwood!

To the editor: WITH WESTWOODʼS 2020 local election now certified, we thank our residents for their overwhelming support and confidence. We work hard to earn this every day. We take pride in having run our campaign focused solely

NOVEMBER 30, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

Vote: Elections totals shore up earlier win results

NOVEMBER 30, 2020 • PASCACK VALLEY PRESS

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Dine-in or Take-out with purchase of $25 or more

Cannot be Combined. Exp. 12-31-19

Entire Check Lunch or Dinner Cannot be Combined. Exp. 12-31-19

All Catering Orders of $100 or More

Entire Check Lunch or Dinner Cannot be Combined. Exp. 12-31-19

All Catering Orders of $100 or More

Call To Place Your Order For The Holidays! 201-664-7200

649 WESTWOOD AVE., RIVER VALE, NJ • 201-664-7200